1 Corinthians 4:19

But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

But {G1161} I will come {G2064} to {G4314} you {G5209} shortly {G5030}, if {G1437} the Lord {G2962} will {G2309}, and {G2532} will know {G1097}, not {G3756} the speech {G3056} of them which are puffed up {G5448}, but {G235} the power {G1411}.

But I am coming to you soon, if the Lord wills; and I will take cognizance not of the talk of these arrogant people but of their power.

But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only what these arrogant people are saying, but what power they have.

But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will; and I will know, not the word of them that are puffed up, but the power.

Context of 1 Corinthians 4:19

In 1 Corinthians Chapter 4, the Apostle Paul continues to address the spiritual immaturity and divisions within the Corinthian church. He contrasts the humble, suffering life of true apostles with the Corinthians' self-congratulatory pride and arrogance. Many in Corinth were valuing eloquent speech and human wisdom over genuine spiritual authority and the transforming power of God. Paul has just discussed his intention to send Timothy to them, and now asserts his own plan to visit, making it clear that his visit will not be for idle talk but for spiritual assessment. This verse serves as a direct challenge to those who were boasting and causing division, promising to expose their empty rhetoric in favor of true spiritual substance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Intentionality: Paul's phrase, "if the Lord will," underscores his submission to God's ultimate plan and purpose for his ministry and travel, a common acknowledgment of divine providence in the early church. See James 4:15 for a similar sentiment.
  • Substance Over Style: The verse sharply distinguishes between "speech" (mere rhetoric or human eloquence) and "power" (genuine spiritual authority and the effective working of God). Paul emphasizes that true spiritual leadership and Christian life are characterized by divine enablement, not by persuasive words or intellectual prowess.
  • Apostolic Authority and Discernment: Paul asserts his role as an apostle with authority to discern and confront spiritual emptiness. His visit is a test, not of rhetorical skill, but of the presence and manifestation of God's power among them. He intends to expose those who are "puffed up" with pride but lack true spiritual fruit.
  • Humility vs. Arrogance: The verse highlights the core conflict between the humility that accompanies true spiritual power and the arrogance that often masks a lack of genuine spiritual depth. Paul is concerned with the spiritual reality of the Corinthian church, not their outward appearances or boasts.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "puffed up" is physioō (φυσιόω), which means to inflate, to swell up, or to be arrogant. This term is used repeatedly by Paul in his letters to the Corinthians to describe their pride and conceit (e.g., 1 Corinthians 8:1). It vividly portrays an empty, bloated sense of self-importance. In contrast, "speech" is logos (λόγος), referring to words, discourse, or human eloquence, while "power" is dynamis (δύναμις), signifying inherent ability, strength, or miraculous power. Paul consistently valued this divine dynamis over human logos, as seen in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, where he states his preaching was "in demonstration of the Spirit and of power" rather than persuasive words.

Practical Application

1 Corinthians 4:19 remains highly relevant for believers today. It challenges us to look beyond outward appearances, charisma, or eloquent speech when evaluating spiritual leaders and ministries. True spiritual impact is measured by the demonstration of God's power—evidenced in transformed lives, spiritual fruit, and genuine humility—rather than by impressive rhetoric or human wisdom. It reminds us that our plans and aspirations should always be submitted to the will of the Lord. Furthermore, the verse serves as a caution against spiritual pride and arrogance, urging us to seek authentic spiritual power that comes from God, rather than a self-inflated sense of importance.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:1

    ¶ This [is] the third [time] I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:4

    For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

  • Acts 18:21

    But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

  • Acts 19:21

    ¶ After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:23

    Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:18

    Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:6

    ¶ Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

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